The company is required to purchase energy from qualified community renewable energy projects that meet the legal definition as a qualified renewable energy resource that has a total generating capacity under 25 megawatts with a majority ownership stake by in-state residents or entities.

While NorthWestern Energy has sufficient energy resources to generally meet customer needs and the Renewable Portfolio Standard that takes effect in 2015, it must comply with its legal requirements to enter into contracts to purchase the output from qualified community-owned projects. Communities, businesses and individuals in Montana are strongly encouraged to learn more about these projects as a way of building economic diversity that benefits both locally-owned projects and NorthWestern's customers.